Style

In the Navy

Each week, Vanity Fair’s fashion editors pick the best from what’s in stores, from high to low. Today, Fashion Market Director Michael Carl shares his picks. Follow Michael on Twitter at @carlscrush.

I don’t believe in black for men.

I know that’s an irrational and borderline-stupid thing to admit to, but it’s just how I feel. When I first started in the industry, I will always remember a handsome guy walking by and my boss sniffing, “Ugh, the only guys that should be wearing black are models and waiters.” For better or worse, it stuck with me. So unfortunately, when I see black on a man, I think of guys who work out too much, tan too much, wear too much cologne, and spend too much time on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

That is why navy is my favorite color. Navy is the new black. Navy does the same trick and is eternally chic. I recently even retired my black tuxedo and opted for a slick navy Calvin Klein Collection tux to wear to the Vanity Fair Oscar party. I got more than a few compliments, and best part of all, no one mistook me for a waiter.

Placket-collar sweater

I have recently discovered this particular jewel of a sweater, which is the perfect layering piece for the winter when you don’t want to wear a heavy coat. It looks great over a button-down with a pattern (I suggest blue gingham). To finish off the look and keep you warm, you could add a gray quilted vest. I suppose this seems very specific, so play around with the idea and I think you will quickly find this sweater to be a favorite in your wardrobe.

Sunspel Button Neck Jumper.$182, sunspel.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Sunspel.

Duffle

O.K., now that we all officially embraced the idea that it is fine for a man to carry a bag, as long as it’s not a Celine, why not butch it up? (The word “murse” still sends a shiver down my spine.) This duffle from Caputo & Co. is masculine and perfect for the gym or to smuggle snacks into the movie theater.

Caputo & Co. Canvas Leather Duffle.$350, caputoandco.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Caputo & Co.

Button-Down shirt

This navy button-down from Ralph Lauren is simple and perfect. It should be noted that unlike layers of a lot of other colors, navy on navy is super-chic. An all-navy look is crisp and fantastic looking. I suggest pairing this shirt with a navy pant or dark denim jean. It will also look great with a navy sweater—possible placket—or a navy jacket.

Polo Ralph Lauren Custom-Fit Broadcloth Shirt.$90, ralphlauren.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Ralph Lauren.

Pajamas

I am not the boy to ever sleep commando; I think it’s crazy. I just lie there and think to myself, I am naked. What would happen if there was a fire in the middle of the night? If you are like me and like the idea of sleeping in something light and comfortable, then I suggest these Frette pajamas. Yes, pajamas seem old-fashioned, but I find that that actually makes them feel quite modern. Maybe it’s the red piping? Before you know it, they will become a second skin, and taking them off will prove rather difficult—but please do before you go to work. Only girls can get away with pajamas as a day look, and even that takes some getting used to.

Frette Pajamas.$395, Frette Madison New York, 212-988-5221.

Photo: Courtesy of Frette.

Loafer

There is only one driving moc, and it is from Tod’s. If you read my column with any regularity, you will know at this point that I am partial to this brand—the Ferrari of shoes. You could wear this loafer practically all summer, and it goes with any outfit—even (gasp) a black trouser. In fact, navy is the perfect accent for black! (Just take it easy on the cologne.)

Placket-collar sweater

I have recently discovered this particular jewel of a sweater, which is the perfect layering piece for the winter when you don’t want to wear a heavy coat. It looks great over a button-down with a pattern (I suggest blue gingham). To finish off the look and keep you warm, you could add a gray quilted vest. I suppose this seems very specific, so play around with the idea and I think you will quickly find this sweater to be a favorite in your wardrobe.

Sunspel Button Neck Jumper.$182, sunspel.com.

Courtesy of Sunspel.

Duffle

O.K., now that we all officially embraced the idea that it is fine for a man to carry a bag, as long as it’s not a Celine, why not butch it up? (The word “murse” still sends a shiver down my spine.) This duffle from Caputo & Co. is masculine and perfect for the gym or to smuggle snacks into the movie theater.

Caputo & Co. Canvas Leather Duffle.$350, caputoandco.com.

Courtesy of Caputo & Co.

Button-Down shirt

This navy button-down from Ralph Lauren is simple and perfect. It should be noted that unlike layers of a lot of other colors, navy on navy is super-chic. An all-navy look is crisp and fantastic looking. I suggest pairing this shirt with a navy pant or dark denim jean. It will also look great with a navy sweater—possible placket—or a navy jacket.

Polo Ralph Lauren Custom-Fit Broadcloth Shirt.$90, ralphlauren.com.

Courtesy of Ralph Lauren.

Pajamas

I am not the boy to ever sleep commando; I think it’s crazy. I just lie there and think to myself, I am naked. What would happen if there was a fire in the middle of the night? If you are like me and like the idea of sleeping in something light and comfortable, then I suggest these Frette pajamas. Yes, pajamas seem old-fashioned, but I find that that actually makes them feel quite modern. Maybe it’s the red piping? Before you know it, they will become a second skin, and taking them off will prove rather difficult—but please do before you go to work. Only girls can get away with pajamas as a day look, and even that takes some getting used to.

Frette Pajamas.$395, Frette Madison New York, 212-988-5221.

Courtesy of Frette.

Loafer

There is only one driving moc, and it is from Tod’s. If you read my column with any regularity, you will know at this point that I am partial to this brand—the Ferrari of shoes. You could wear this loafer practically all summer, and it goes with any outfit—even (gasp) a black trouser. In fact, navy is the perfect accent for black! (Just take it easy on the cologne.)